The Malaysian capital is favored by street food lovers thanks in large part to the bustling street food scene along Jalan Alor, where rows of open-air stalls come alive after dark, Time Out wrote.
Visitors can feast on smoky charcoal-grilled satay, whole grilled fish and char kway teow, a stir-fried rice noodle dish with prawns and bean sprouts.
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A street food stall in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Photo by Tripadvisor |
Diners can soak up the lively atmosphere from plastic chairs beneath glowing red lanterns lining the street.
Malaysian cuisine is often considered among the world’s best due to its incredible variety and complex flavors, stemming from the country’s historical influences.
The cuisine features a blend of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European tastes, resulting in dishes like Nasi Lemak, Laksa, and Roti Canai that are rich, spicy, sweet, and sour.
Ho Chi Minh City topped the list.
Jakarta and Taipei tied for the third place.
The best cities for street food in 2026 as voted by Time Out:
1. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – 63%
2. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – 62%
3. Jakarta, Indonesia – 59%
4. Taipei, Taiwan – 59%
5. Mexico City, Mexico – 58%
6. Manila, Philippines – 58%
7. Hanoi, Vietnam – 57%
8. Johannesburg, South Africa – 56%
9. Bangkok, Thailand – 56%
10. Mumbai, India – 55%